New Zealand Volcanic Scenic Floatplane Flight Experience

Itinerary Reference:

15‑minute Crater Lakes Flight

Time: 09:00

Time: 12:00

Total Duration: 0 Hours 15 Minutes

Route Highlights: Mokoia Island, Lake Okataina, Lake Tarawera, Lake Okareka, Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake) and Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), Crater Lake, Lake Rotorua

Itinerary subject to change due to traffic or weather conditions

Tour Highlights

Explore the Rotorua region aboard a Volcanic Air seaplane, accompanied by professional commentary from your local pilot guide

The Crater Lakes Flight offers breathtaking views of hidden lakes, distant volcanoes, and local geothermal activity

Mount Tarawera & Waimangu Volcanic Valley experience: fly over the site of New Zealand's most violent volcanic eruption in recorded history, witness the transformation of the landscape, and see the traces of the eruption

Mount Tarawera & White Island adventure: enjoy New Zealand's only permanently active volcano, take in the stunning views of the crater lake on the island, and continue on to Mount Tarawera

Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako exploration: delve into vast volcanic fissures and precious lakes, with a landing at Orakei Korako to personally experience the natural beauty of this hidden geothermal wonderland

Want to unlock Rotorua's volcanic secrets from a unique perspective? Hop aboard a Volcanic Air floatplane, breaking the boundaries between air and water, for the most unforgettable immersive exploration of this breathtaking geothermal wonderland. Unlike regular flights, our floatplanes can take off and land smoothly on crystal‑clear lakes, giving you both the expansive views from above and the romance of skimming the lake surface, offering a full panorama of volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and pristine lakes.

Travel in comfort aboard the Cessna 206 floatplane; its powerful 300‑horsepower engine lifts you steadily into the sky. Enjoy comfortable seats with excellent soundproofing, uninterrupted while taking in the scenery. At take‑off, water splashes gently, and you can take in the rippling waves and serene beauty of Lake Rotorua. As you ascend, the majestic panorama of Mount Tarawera unfolds, its 8‑kilometre‑long volcanic rift clearly visible, telling a story of geological wonders spanning millions of years.

Soaring through the sky, every scene is awe‑inspiring: crater lakes in interwoven shades of sapphire and emerald, like nature's palette; vividly colourful Hell's Crater hiding the Earth's inner heat; Sulphur Bay mirrored by the shores of Lake Rotorua, where the fusion of water and earth composes a captivating poem. Fly over Orakei Korako, with its non‑stop geysers and dreamlike silica terraces, hailed by Lonely Planet as New Zealand's best geothermal area; in the distance, White Island reveals the wild mystery of this active marine volcano.

Professional pilots accompany you throughout the journey, not only guiding you through these wonders but also sharing local geographical stories. Before and after the flight, photos will be taken in front of the plane to capture precious moments for you. No experience is needed—just relax and enjoy the perfect blend of thrill and beauty. If you want to unwind completely, you can also visit the secret Rotoiti Hot Springs to wash away your fatigue in a natural setting. This floatplane tour holds surprises in every second, leaving you with lifelong memories and a unique snapshot of Rotorua's extraordinary beauty.